America at 250: fireworks, flyovers, and a time-spanning ball drop

Despite a crippling heat wave prompting some Northeast cancellations, the U.S. is staging a sweeping 250th birthday weekend with nationwide celebrations. Highlights include fireworks and military flyovers from Mount Rushmore to the National Mall, the Capitol Fourth concert, Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks in New York, and an unprecedented eight-time Times Square ball drop spanning all eight time zones. Other events include the International Naval Review in New York/New Jersey, regional festivities from Bristol to Los Angeles, a Philadelphia time capsule burial, and the Nathan’s hot dog eating contest, all underscoring a national celebration with livestreams and city-by-city spectacles.